VICENZA, Italy (BRAIN)—Campagnolo announced plans this week to officially launch its long anticipated electronic groupset on Nov. 7.
The Italian component manufacturer will present the group to media and pro tour teams over two days in Sicily next month. Product managers from all the major bike brands will see and test the system during Taichung Bike Week in Taiwan in late November.
Campy has been developing an electric drivetrain since filing a patent for an electric derailleur in 1994, the same year Mavic launched Zap, its electric drivetrain system. Riders on Liquigas, Lampre, Saeco and other professional teams have raced on earlier 10-speed versions of Campy’s electric group in the ’07 and ’08 Giro as well as other Pro Tour and amateur races.
Team Movistar riders raced the Pro Tour on Pinarellos equipped with a prototype of the 11-speed electronic group this year, and Pinarello is expected to spec the setup on 2013 bikes. Campy continued building buzz for its electronic drivetrain with large signs at the Eurobike and Interbike trade shows this fall announcing the system would be coming soon.
Tuesday's announcement marks the first time the group moves from prototype to production.
Photo: A sign at Campagnolo's Interbike booth this fall teased the upcoming electronic drivetrain.
